Mountain Bike Reviews

2012 Editors' Choice: Best Value Full-Suspension Mountain Bikes

Winner: Marin Rift Zone XC6

5 / 5

In a close race, the Rift Zone narrowly edged the competition. We loved the bike’s impeccable trail manners—it felt calm and collected across rock-strewn trails as well as on wide-open singletrack. The efficient Quad-Link rear suspension, with 100mm of travel, helped it hustle up steep climbs and find traction where others faltered. No slouch on the descents, the bike soaked up rocks and ruts. But it shined brightest on fast flowing trails. “The high-value parts felt tight and dialed, like you’d expect on a much more expensive bike,” remarked a tester.